Backlash Predictions

Backlash comes from Newark, New Jersey tonight. The show that seems like more of an afterthought has the potential to surprise me due to my low expectations. I don’t expect a great show. The card is pretty weak and the build to the card has been even weaker.

Kickoff Show – Bayley vs Ruby RiottThis seems like a match that creative had two minutes to decide what to use as a kickoff match and threw this one out there. Sasha has to get involved here somehow and provide more of a kick to the feud with Bayley. The long, drawn out build is making a lot of people, including myself, impatient. Ruby got a victory over Sasha on Monday, I expect the same over Bayley tonight.Prediction – Ruby Riott

Braun Strowman & Bobby Lashley vs Kevin Owens & Sami ZaynSpeaking of matches thrown together in two minutes, here we are. This match has little to no significance whatsoever other than pitting four guys who face off every Monday against each other. As far as the match goes, it’s a toss up because none of these guys have any noticeable direction. I’ve heard rumblings of Lashley possibly turning and starting a feud with Braun, that would at least be something. I’m going with Braun & Lashley because I think WWE has more plans for those two at this point and time than KO & SamiPrediction – Braun Strowman & Bobby Lashley

Daniel Bryan vs Big CassThis match is actually slightly compelling because I could reasonably see Big Cass picking up a win. WWE clearly has some faith in him to not only put him in this spot upon return, but make him look strong in the process. Despite that, I think WWE should realize that Big Cass isn’t ready for a spot like this yet. I also think it would be a mistake to give D-Bry a loss this earlyPrediction – Daniel Bryan

United States ChampionshipJeff Hardy (c) vs Randy OrtonYawn. Really, I yawned while typing that match. On the bright side, Jeff Hardy is not Jinder Mahal. This match can be decent with a veteran like Orton and someone with a move set like Jeff Hardy. I don’t see any logic behind giving Orton a victory here. Jeff Hardy is doing well with this run WWE is giving him and he should keep the strap. Plus Randy Orton is not the guy to represent the US title.Prediction – Jeff Hardy

Raw Women’s ChampionshipNia Jax (c) vs Alexa BlissEven bigger yawn. These two have been overshadowed by Ronda and Mickie and neither of those two are on the card. As I said in this past Monday’s Raw review, the buildup to this match at Mania was bad, this one is even worse. I’ve got finals this week so this will be a great opportunity for me to get a quick study session in during the show. Nia’s title reign is young and ineffective thus far. She shouldn’t be stripped this soon.Prediction – Nia Jax

Smackdown Women’s ChampionshipCarmella (c) vs CharlotteTwo things. I can’t see Carmella losing this match, but I can’t see her winning it clean. The Iconics will be the X factor to assist in the victory. If you’re going to strip Carmella this soon, I don’t see why you wouldn’t just have her fail a cash-in attempt. It’s too soon and Carmella has plenty of potential to have a good reign.Prediction – Carmella

Intercontinental ChampionshipSeth Rollins (c) vs The MizThis match seems very predictable but it will probably end up stealing the show. Again. I think this might be the best version of Seth Rollins we’ve ever seen. (Yes, that includes his run with The Authority and the Universal Title) He’s consistently going out and putting on a show every single night. The Miz is no slack himself, clearly, so this should be fun. With the US Championship on Smackdown, what logic is there in having the Miz win?Prediction – Seth Rollins

Roman Reigns vs Samoa JoeI refuse to ever bet against Roman Reigns and every single time I hope that I’m wrong. It worked for Mania and Greatest Royal Rumble. WWE is going to want to give credibility back to God himself before he looks vulnerable. Joe would benefit from a win much more, but Vince doesn’t care about logic. I expect Roman to win and Joe, one of the most talented wrestlers on the roster, to lose all the momentum that he doesn’t have.Prediction – Super Roman

WWE Championship (No Disqualification)AJ Styles (c) vs Shinsuke NakamuraI said it in my Greatest Royal Rumble review and I’ll say it again. Put the belt on Shinsuke. WWE has to take advantage of Shinsuke’s numerous low blows and the No DQ stipulation. I don’t care how it’s done, just get it done. If it were me, I would have Shinsuke win with the assistance of a low blow, stir up some controversy. AJ invokes his rematch clause and this feud is put to rest at Money in the Bank with Shinsuke still on top. But again, I don’t care how it’s done. Shinsuke needs to be champion.Prediction – Shinsuke Nakamura